14 Things to Never Say to Someone with Depression

Even if you have the best of intentions, these tidbits of advice may hurt someone with depression more than they heal.

Brick wall background that says: I'd love to see you cheer up."
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Don’t tell them to shake it off

Why it’s harmful: When you tell someone to just shake off their depression, you trivialize their condition and deny their pain, according to Debbie Plotnick, the vice president for mental health and systems advocacy at Mental Health America, in Alexandria, VA. For people with depression, “cheering up” is not a simple task, and it’s important to recognize that they probably wish they could, too. These are the hidden signs that you could be depressed.

What to say instead: “I’m sorry you’re not feeling well. Is there anything I can do to help?”

Brick wall background that says: It's all in your head.
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Don’t downplay their condition

Why it’s harmful: Telling someone that the pain they’re feeling is “all in their head” diminishes the fact that depression is a serious health condition, and reduces it to something that can be fixed just by changing their thinking habits. “If someone is feeling unwell in some way, it is within their person, not just their head,” Plotnick explains. Here’s what psychologists wish you knew about depression.

What to say instead: “I will try my best to understand.”

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Don’t be dismissive

Why it’s harmful: People with depression are aware that life isn’t fair, says Theresa Nguyen, vice president of policy and programs at Mental Health America, in Alexandria, VA. Reminding them of this fact doesn’t help them cope with their illness. Instead, try some of these psychologist-recommended ideas to help your loved one get through their difficult time.

What to say instead: “I can see that you’re struggling, and I really admire/respect you for pushing through this.”

Brick wall background that says: A lot of people have it worse than you.
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Don’t make comparisons

Why it’s harmful: As true as this might be, it doesn’t change the fact that the person you’re talking to is still going through an emotionally draining time. Telling someone with depression that some other people have it worse will only make them feel ashamed of their feelings, Plotnick says.

What to say instead: “What you’re going through is real, and I think that almost anyone in your situation would feel that way.”

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Don’t offer false cheer

Why it’s harmful: What might feel like a beautiful day to you could be a much different picture for someone with depression, who may have difficulty seeing the same joy you recognize in everyday life. Implying that the person should feel happy ignores their condition and may make them feel guilty for their depression, Plotnick says.

What to say instead: “Want to go on a walk through the park today?” Or “Want to grab a cup of coffee today?” If the person says they’d prefer to stay home, it’s reasonable to ask, “Can I come and keep you company?”

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Don’t give pat advice

Why it’s harmful: It’s true that isolating yourself can increase your risk of feeling depressed, but everyone has their own way of dealing with their depression, and what works for some may not be helpful for others. Plotnick says it’s also generally best to avoid “should” statements; you might feel like you’re offering a helpful solution, but telling people with depression what they need to do in order to feel better isn’t always productive.

What to say instead: “Would you like to go for a walk with me?”

Brick wall background that says: Get over it.
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Don’t tell them how to cope

Why it’s harmful: Depression is a serious health issue, and simply telling someone to pretend it doesn’t exist isn’t going to cure them of their condition. According to Ken Duckworth, MD, the medical director for the National Alliance on Mental Health in Boston, MA, telling someone to “get over” their depression lacks compassion and will likely make the person feel misunderstood.

What to say instead: “How can I support you during this difficult time?”

Brick wall background that says: You don't look depressed.
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Don’t talk about how they look or act

Why it’s harmful: As is the case with any medical condition, there is no one specific way to look depressed. Not everyone will be a sobbing mess or unable to get out of bed in the morning. “People who are depressed spend a lot of time trying not to look depressed,” Nguyen says. “It takes a long time for you to get to the point where you stop showering.” Find out why nicer people are more prone to depression.

What to say instead: “Tell me more about what’s going on. Help me understand.”

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Don’t be judgmental

Why it’s harmful: Plotnick says this is one of the most judgmental things you could say to someone battling depression. Their symptoms may not be visible to you on the outside, but that doesn’t mean the struggle they’re facing internally isn’t real. Try understanding the seriousness of their condition, and instead ask how you can support them. Here are 12 ways to help someone with depression.

What to do instead: Offer to bring them some soup or a hot dish for dinner, as you would do for a friend dealing with any other health condition.

Brick wall background that says: Everyone has bad days.
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Don’t talk about “bad days”

Why it’s harmful: It’s trueโ€”everyone does have bad days. However, that doesn’t mean you need to point it out to someone with depression, who may be struggling on a day-to-day basis. This statement reduces their serious health condition to a “bad day” and implies that it’s something they’ll get over quickly and easily, Plotnick says. If you’re wondering whether you have depression or just everyday sadness, here’s how to tell the difference.

What to say instead: “I’m sorry that you’re having a bad day. I’d like to help.”

Brick wall background that says: Why don't you smile more?
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Don’t talk about smiling or happiness

Why it’s harmful: For someone with depression, finding energy to smile when they’re hurting inside can be exhausting and damaging, Plotnick says. They may be going through some difficult things that you are unaware of, so it’s best to communicate with them in the least assuming way possible.

What to say instead: “Your feelings are valid.”

Brick wall background that says: Stop feeling sorry for yourself.
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Don’t downplay the severity

Why it’s harmful: Statements like this play down the severity of a depressed person’s condition and might make them feel guilty for something they can’t control. “When I hear this statement, it diminishes the fact that depression is a real problem and puts a personal blame and a negative spin on what already feels awful,” Nguyen says.

What to say instead: “What can I do to help you feel better?”

Brick wall background that says: You're dragging me down.
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Don’t make it about you

Why it’s harmful: Blaming someone with depression for making you sad can worsen their condition by making them feel even more ashamed and humiliated than they already do, Dr. Duckworth says. Instead, you should show love and support the person to help them get back to the state they’d like to be in. Here’s how to help a depressed spouseโ€”and potentially save your marriage.

What to say instead: “I’m here for you.”

Brick background that says: You have such a great life! Why aren't you happy?
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Don’t talk about how great their life is

Why it’s harmful: As Plotnick explains, depression is not simply the opposite of happiness, and it doesn’t matter what you do or do not have. You could have all the money, friends, and career opportunities in the world, but that doesn’t wipe away a mental illness. This factor can predict whether depression will return.

What to say instead: “I understand that you are hurting. I have your back.”

Sources
  • Debbie Plotnick, vice president for mental health and systems advocacy at Mental Health America, Alexandria, VA.
  • Theresa Nguyen, vice president of policy and programs at Mental Health America, Alexandria, VA.
  • Ken Duckworth, MD, medical director for the National Alliance on Mental Health, Boston, MA.
 
Medically reviewed by Ashley Matskevich, MD, on August 18, 2019